Our Story: From Designing Wedding Invitations to Helping Schools Build Spirit
, by Megan O'Connell, 2 min reading time
Discover the story behind Layla Joelle Studios—from a small Zazzle shop started during wedding planning in 2015 to creating custom spirit wear for schools, PTAs, PTOs, and youth sports teams across the country. See how a love for design, hockey, and school communities turned into a growing family business.
People often ask us, "How did Layla Joelle Studios get started?"
The funny thing is... we never planned for any of this.
Back in 2015, while I was planning my own wedding, I opened a small shop on Zazzle. At the time, I was working full-time as a graphic designer and loved creating invitations, stationery, and personalized gifts. Designing had always been my creative outlet, and Zazzle gave me a way to share that creativity with people all over the world.
I had no idea that one small shop would eventually turn into the business we have today.
As life got busier, my career continued, I got married, and our family grew. Like many moms, I found myself looking for ways to keep creating while balancing work and family life.
About eight years later, I decided to try something new.
I opened an Etsy shop and started making custom garment bags for the hockey community. As a hockey family ourselves, I saw an opportunity to create products that players and parents couldn't easily find. Soon after, I added personalized garment bag hangers, and before I knew it, orders were coming in from teams across the country.
It was exciting to see something I created become part of game days, tournaments, and team traditions.
Then something unexpected happened.
My son's elementary school was getting ready for Field Day, and I offered to help create custom shirts for the event. Seeing hundreds of students, teachers, and volunteers wearing something I had designed was a feeling I'll never forget.
That's when everything clicked.
I realized I didn't just love designing products—I loved helping schools create memories.
What started as one Field Day order quickly grew into Spirit Day shirts, PTA fundraisers, booster club apparel, teacher shirts, sports teams, online spirit stores, and custom collections for schools across the country.
Today, Layla Joelle Studios is proud to work with PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, youth sports organizations, and schools to create apparel that families are genuinely excited to wear.
Every design starts from scratch. Every order is packed with care. And every school we work with becomes part of our story.
Looking back, it's amazing to think this journey started with wedding stationery on Zazzle.
I never imagined it would lead to designing spirit wear for thousands of students, teachers, and families—but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you to every customer, school, coach, PTA volunteer, teacher, and parent who has supported this dream. Your trust means more than you know.
We're just getting started, and we can't wait to see where this journey takes us next.
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